Worshipping and Pilrimages within Christianity

Some denominations like the Orthodox and Catholic churches include elaborate ceremonies with incense burning and priests dressed in elaborate garb, while Protestant churches concentrate on more simple forms of worship. Acts of worship can be private, like individual prayer, or public like a Sunday church service. Formal worship with a set structure is called liturgical while informal worship is known as non-liturgical.

Catholics often use the rosary and icons in their worship, whereas Protestants do not. Most Christians sing hymns or psalms (holy songs) during worship. In Charismatic churches, worshippers may sing and pray spontaneously as they feel the spirit of the Lord.

Within Christianity the Lord’s Prayer is recited in worship and often in private.

This is the version in Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 6, 9-13:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

——————————————————

Places of Worship and Pilgrimage

Each of the Christian denominations has its own styles of architecture and the layout of churches often reflects the particular beliefs of a denomination. For example, Catholic churches tend to be much more lavishly decorated than Protestant churches. Most churches have a representation of Jesus on the cross and many, especially Catholic churches, also have images of the Virgin Mary. Most churches have a pulpit for readings and preaching.

Some Christians prefer to worship in the home, in community halls or outdoors. These Christians tend to be members of smaller groups rather than of the mainstream denominations.

Pilgrims make a journey to a holy place to show their devotion to God. Well-known places of pilgrimage include Canterbury in England, Lourdes in France and Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

——————————————————